Road wheel ornament

ABSTRACT

A road wheel includes an outboard surface; an ornament configured to attach to the outboard surface; a post formed with the ornament, configured to fasten to the wheel; and a key formed with the ornament, the key configured to mate with a cavity in the outboard surface. The key includes a semi-circular profile. The key further includes at least one node, protruding therefrom; the outboard surface of the wheel includes a receptacle configured to at least partially fit the node therein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to vehicle road wheels having attachableornaments and methods for manufacturing the same.

BACKGROUND

Modern vehicle wheels and wheel covers can add a significant aestheticto the overall vehicle. Wheel covers are designed to complement thepaint and/or trim on the vehicle body. Various designs include, forexample, wheel covers having painted accents detailed on the surface ofthe cover or spinning elements attachable to the wheel. One design goalis to have a road wheel that has two different surface finishes on thesame Class-A surface (e.g., a painted or chrome accent).

It is desirable to have flexible wheel or wheel cover platforms that cansupport various aesthetic arrangements. Interchangeable features can beconfigured to attach to the wheel cover thereby enabling various designson the same wheel mold. The mechanisms for attaching theseinterchangeable features can be expensive, less than reliable or timeconsuming. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,168 titled “Wheel CoverHaving Interchangeable Turbine Pocket Inserts” discloses a wheel coverwith turbine pockets that snap into the wheel cover. The '168 Patentteaches against the use of separate fasteners to attach the turbinepockets to the wheel cover; however, the integral engagement featuresthat enable the snap function place significant manufacturing demands onthe assembly. The procedures for forming the turbine pockets and wheelcover are relatively more expensive since the design is complex. Theattachment feature would be more reliable if separate fasteners wereutilized. Moreover, achieving proper alignment can be time consuming.

Therefore, it is desirable to have a road wheel with interchangeableornaments that are easily attachable to the wheel in a reliable fashion.

SUMMARY

The present invention may address one or more of the above-mentionedissues. Other features and/or advantages may become apparent from thedescription which follows.

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a road wheel,including: an outboard surface; an ornament configured to attach to theoutboard surface; a post formed with the ornament, configured to fastento the wheel; and a key formed with the ornament, the key configured tomate with a cavity in the outboard surface. The key includes asemi-circular profile. The key further includes at least one node,protruding therefrom; the outboard surface of the wheel includes areceptacle configured to at least partially fit the node therein.

Other embodiments of the present invention relate to a road wheel,having: an outboard surface; an ornament configured to attach to theoutboard surface; a post formed with the ornament, configured to fastento the wheel; and a key formed with the ornament, having a first portionon one side of the post and a second portion on another side of thepost. The first and second portions of the key are configured to matewith a cavity in the outboard surface. The key includes at least onenode, protruding therefrom. The outboard surface of the wheel includes areceptacle configured to at least partially fit the node therein.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a road wheelornament configured to attach to an outboard surface of a wheel, theornament including: a post configured to fasten to the wheel; and a keyhaving a first portion on one side of the post and a second portion onanother side of the post. The key includes a semi-circular profile. Thefirst and second portions of the key are configured to mate with acavity in a road wheel. The key includes at least one node, protrudingtherefrom configured to mate with a receptacle on an outboard surface ofthe wheel.

Other embodiments of the present invention relate to a method ofmanufacturing a vehicle road wheel, including: forming a wheel having anoutboard surface with a first surface finish; forming an orifice in thewheel; forming a cavity in the outboard surface; providing an ornamenthaving a second surface finish and a post fittable in the orifice;aligning a first and second portion of a key formed in the ornament withthe cavity in the outboard surface; and fastening the ornament to thewheel through the orifice and post.

One advantage of the present teachings is that they disclose a roadwheel with interchangeable ornaments that are easily and reliablyattached to the wheel. The ornament design(s) enable a road wheel thathas two different surface finishes on the same Class-A surface. Forexample, ornaments can have a painted or chrome surface.

Another advantage of the present disclosure is that it teaches anornament that is easy to align with the wheel for attachment.

In the following description, certain aspects and embodiments willbecome evident. It should be understood that the invention, in itsbroadest sense, could be practiced without having one or more featuresof these aspects and embodiments. It should be understood that theseaspects and embodiments are merely exemplary and explanatory and are notrestrictive of the invention.

The invention will be explained in greater detail below by way ofexample with reference to the figures, in which the same referencesnumbers are used in the figures for identical or essentially identicalelements. The above features and advantages and other features andadvantages of the present invention are readily apparent from thefollowing detailed description of the best modes for carrying out theinvention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. Inthe figures:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a front portion of a vehicle with an exemplarywheel.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ornament compatible with the wheel ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an outboard surface of the wheel of FIG.1.

FIG. 4 a is a perspective view of a tapered slot formed in the outboardsurface of the wheel of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 b is a perspective view of an alternative tapered slot formed inthe outboard surface of a wheel.

FIG. 5 is a side view of another exemplary wheel ornament.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an outboard surface of a wheelcompatible with the ornament of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side view of another exemplary wheel ornament.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an outboard surface of a wheelcompatible with the ornament of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side view of another exemplary wheel ornament.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an outboard surface of a wheelcompatible with the ornament of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another exemplary wheel and compatibleornament.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a method of manufacturing a vehicle roadwheel.

Although the following detailed description makes reference toillustrative embodiments, many alternatives, modifications, andvariations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, it is intended that the claimed subject matter be viewedbroadly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and adjoining figures pertain at least tovehicle road wheels, ornaments and methods for manufacturing the same.The disclosed wheels, ornaments and methods yield a road wheel withinterchangeable ornaments that are easily and reliably attachable to thewheel. Some ornaments use separate fasteners to attach to the wheel. Theornament designs, however, minimize the number of fasteners required forthe system as the receiving portion on the ornament includes a post thatat least partially inserts into the wheel or wheel cover. Ergo, both theornament and the wheel include receiving and penetrating members toeffectuate a more robust connection.

Some of the disclosed ornaments also include additional protrusions thatextend from the inboard surface of the ornament. These keys improve thefit between the ornament and wheel or wheel cover at least by increasingthe contact surface between the ornament and outboard surface of thewheel. In some embodiments, the keys have a portion on each side of thepost providing greater symmetry in the assembly. Additionally, some ofthe disclosed ornaments include elements that can assist in alignmentand assembly (such as nodes formed on the inboard surface of theornaments).

The ornaments are compatible with wheels and wheel covers. Ornaments canhave a similar or dissimilar surface finish than the wheel. For example,in some embodiments the ornament has a chrome finish and the wheel as amatted finish. In another embodiment, the ornament has a matted finishand the wheel has a chrome finish. In another embodiment, the ornamentincludes an illumination element that enables the ornaments toselectively emit light. The disclosed wheels and wheel covers can beutilized with various road vehicles including motorcycles, cars, trucks,SUVs, and crossovers. The wheels and ornaments are compatible withwheels of different diameters and sizes, including for example, 14″through 26″ wheels.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown therein a front portion of avehicle 10. FIG. 1 shows a side view of a front passenger side of thevehicle 10. As shown, a side panel 20 of the vehicle body and partiallyencases a vehicle wheel assembly 30. The wheel assembly 30 includes atire 40 journaled onto a wheel 50. The wheel 50 includes an outboardsurface 60, as shown, and an inboard surface that faces the internalcomponents of the vehicle when the wheel is assembled. Wheel 50 includesa series of spokes 70 that extend between the center 80 of the wheel andrim 90 of the wheel 50. Some of the spokes 70 include a cavity 100formed therein that at least partially fit an ornament 110 or insert inthe cavity 100. The ornaments 110 can be selectively attached to thewheel 50. In this embodiment, the ornaments 110 have a different surfacefinish than the outboard surface 60 of the wheel 50. For example,ornaments 110 have a chrome plated finish and wheel 50 has a paintedcast aluminum finish. Ornaments 110 are attached to the road wheel 50using a separate fastener as discussed hereinbelow. The wheel 50 is amolded assembly and can be composed (for example) of aluminum, analuminum alloy or steel.

Now with reference to FIG. 2, there is shown therein a perspective viewof an ornament 110 compatible with the wheel 50 of FIG. 1. An outboardsurface 120 of the ornament 110 includes a raised element 130. Theraised surface 130 has a diamond-shaped profile. In another embodiment,the outboard surface 120 of the ornament 110 includes a depression orgroove formed therein.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, the ornament 110 has an inboardsurface 140 that abuts the outboard surface of the wheel (e.g., 60 asshown in FIG. 1). In FIG. 2, the inboard surface 140 of the ornament 110includes a post 150 that extends therefrom. Post 150 is a cylindricalmember. Post 150 is configured to fit in an orifice formed in theoutboard surface of the wheel. Post 150 thereby penetrates the wheel.Post 150 includes threads 160 formed in the inner surface so as toreceive a screw. In another embodiment, post 150 is not pre-threaded ortapped by a secondary instrument. In that embodiment, the ornament 110is composed of a sufficiently pliable material so as to accept a screw,be tapped by the screw and form a mating connection with the screwtherefrom. For example, ornament 110 can be composed of a polymer.

The post 150, as shown in FIG. 2, is configured to receive a screw. Inother embodiments, the post 150 can be configured to receive differentfasteners. Other exemplary fasteners include rivets, Christmas treefasteners, nuts and bolts, glues, epoxies, and clamps.

The ornament 110, as shown in FIG. 2, has a key 170 on the inboardsurface 140 of the ornament. Key 170 is configured to mate with a cavityformed in the outboard surface of the wheel. Key 170 extends on twosides of the post 150 from one end of the ornament to another end of theornament. Key 170 is symmetrical with respect to the post 150. The firstportion 180 of the key 170 extends to a rim-side of the ornament and asecond portion 190 of the key extends to a center-side of the ornament.In this embodiment, key 170 is a semi-circularly shaped protrusion andhas a semi-circular profile. This shape supports a seamless mold for theornament 110.

Key 170 is configured to fit in a slot 200 formed in the outboardsurface 60 of the wheel 50 as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a perspectiveview of an outboard surface 60 of the wheel 50 of FIG. 1 with theornament detached from the wheel. As shown, the outboard surface 60 ofthe wheel includes various receiving members that support the attachmentof the ornament 110 thereto. Wheel 50 includes a cavity 210 formed inthe spokes 70. In the shown embodiment, cavity 210 gets progressivelyshallower. Near the center 80 of the wheel the cavity 210 isapproximately 0.5 inch deep; near the rim 90 of the wheel cavity isapproximately 0.125 inch deep. In other embodiments, cavity 210 isdeeper at the rim 90 of the wheel 50 than the cavity is at the center 80of the wheel. In some embodiments, the cavity 210 has a uniform depthbetween the rim 90 and center 80 of the wheel. The wheel 50 alsoincludes an orifice 220 in the cavity. Orifice 220 can be machined ordrilled into the wheel. Alternatively, orifice 220 can be included inthe wheel 50 mold. Orifice 220 is configured to receive the post (150 asshown in FIG. 2) therein. Orifice 220, as shown in FIG. 3, has aslightly larger diameter than the outer diameter of the post. Forexample, orifice 220 is designed to have a diameter that is 0.05 incheslarger than the post diameter. Orifice 220 extends from the outboardsurface 60 of the wheel 50, through the wheel to the inboard surface ofthe wheel. The ornament 110 and wheel 50 can receive a separate fastenerthrough orifice 220.

Referring again to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the outboardsurface 60 of the wheel 50 includes the slot 200 formed in the center ofthe cavity 210. Slot 200 is rectangular in shape. Slot 200 is configuredto at least partially fit the key 170 (as shown in FIG. 2) therein. Slot200 has a uniform depth of approximately 0.25 inch in this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4 a, slot 200 includes a tapered edge 230. Tapered edge230 is tapered inward away from the cavity surface 210 to the base 240of the slot. In the shown embodiment, the taper is approximately 45degrees into a V-shaped slot. The rounded surface of the key 170 isconfigured so that the inboard surface 140 of the ornament 110 abuts orrests flush with the outboard surface 60 of the wheel when the ornament110 is inserted in the cavity 210. At the inner most portion of theinsert 110 the inboard surface 140 is offset from the outboard surface60 of the wheel creating some spacing. Also shown in FIG. 4 a, is aprofile of the ornament 110 when inserted in the cavity 210. The key 170fits within the slot 200 and is configured to mate with the slot. Thepost e.g., 150 as shown in FIG. 2) is configured to fit in the orifice220 formed in the wheel cover.

An alternative slot 205 design can be formed into the outboard surface60 of the wheel as shown in FIG. 4 b. The key 170 is compatible withslot 205 which includes a tapered edge 235. Tapered edge 235 is taperedinward away from the cavity surface 215 to the base 245 of the slot. Inthe shown embodiment, the taper is approximately 15 degrees. The roundedsurface of the key 170 is configured so that the inboard surface 140 ofthe ornament 110 abuts or rests flush with the outboard surface 60 ofthe wheel 50 when the ornament 110 is inserted in the cavity 215. Alsoshown in FIG. 4 b, is a profile of the ornament 110 when inserted in thecavity 215. The key 170 fits within the slot 205 and is configured tomate with the slot. The post e.g., 150 as shown in FIG. 2) is configuredto fit in the orifice 225 formed in the wheel cover.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6. In FIG. 5 there is shown a side view ofanother exemplary ornament 300. FIG. 5 shows the inboard side 310 of theornament 300. The outboard surface of the ornament 300 can include araised, flat or depressed surface. The outboard surface of the ornament300 is designed to have a different surface finish than the wheel towhich the ornament attaches (320 as partially shown in FIG. 6). In theinboard surface 310 of the ornament 300, the ornament includes a key 330that is symmetrical with respect to a post 340. The key 330 is a raisedsurface that protrudes approximately 0.25 inch from the inboard surfaceof the ornament 300. The key 330 includes a first and second portion350, 360; the key 330 is symmetrical with respect to the post 340. Thefirst portion 350 of the key 330 extends to a rim-side of the ornamentand the second portion 360 of the key 330 extends to a center-side ofthe ornament. In this embodiment, key 330 is a rectangular protrusion. Atapered edge 370 is included between the key 330 and inboard surface 310of the ornament 300.

The key 330 includes two nodes 380 on each side of the post 340. Nodes380 are, in this case, circular protrusions on the surface of the key330. Nodes 380 are approximately 0.25 inches in diameter in thisembodiment. Nodes 380 mate with a receptacle 390 formed in the outboardsurface 400 of the wheel 320. In this manner, nodes 380 act as analignment feature. Nodes 380 can be larger or smaller in size than thenodes shown in the illustrated embodiments. For manufacture, the key 330and nodes 380 can be included in the mold cavity for the ornament 300and formed therewith. Alternatively, key 330 and nodes 380 can beaffixed to the ornament 300 or machined out of the ornament, forexample.

The ornament 300 includes a post 340, as shown in FIG. 5. Post 340extends from the inboard surface 310 of the ornament 300 and in thisembodiment is a cylindrical member. Post 340 is configured to fit in anorifice 410 formed in the outboard surface 400 of the wheel 320. Post340 thereby penetrates the wheel 320. Post 340 includes threads formedin the inner surface so as to receive a screw. Post 340 can beconfigured to receive different fasteners as well.

Key 330 is configured to fit in a slot 420 formed in the outboardsurface 400 of the wheel 320 as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a perspectiveview of an outboard surface 400 of a wheel 320 with the ornamentdetached from the wheel. As shown, the outboard surface 400 of the wheel320 includes various receiving members that support the attachment ofthe ornament 300 thereto. Wheel 320 includes a cavity 430 formed in thespokes 440. In the shown embodiment, cavity 430 gets progressivelyshallower. Orifice 410 is formed in the wheel 320 and configured toreceive the post 340 therein. Orifice 410 has a slightly larger diameterthan the outer diameter of the post 340.

Referring again to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the outboardsurface 400 of the wheel 320 includes a slot 420 formed in the center ofthe cavity 430. Slot 420 is rectangular in shape. Slot 420 is configuredto at least partially fit the key 330 (as shown in FIG. 5) therein. Slot420 also includes two receptacles 390 formed on each side of the orifice410. Receptacles 390 are configured to fit the nodes 380 therein. Nodes380 and receptacles 390 are of compatible geometries so that the inboardsurface 310 of the ornament 300 can rest flush with respect to theoutboard surface 400 of the wheel 320 when the ornament is properlyaligned with and inserted in the wheel cavity 430.

As shown in FIG. 6, slot includes a tapered edge 450. Tapered edge 450is tapered inward away from the cavity 430 surface to the base of theslot. In the shown embodiment, the taper is approximately 15 degrees andmatches the tapered surface 370 on key.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8. In FIG. 7 there is shown a side view ofanother exemplary ornament 500. FIG. 7 shows the inboard surface 510 ofthe ornament 500. The outboard surface of the ornament can include araised, flat or depressed surface. The outboard surface of the ornamentis designed to have a different surface finish than the wheel 520 towhich the ornament attaches (as partially shown in FIG. 8).

The inboard surface 510 of the ornament 500, shown in FIG. 7, includestwo nodes 530 on each side of a post 540. Nodes 530 are, in this case,elliptical protrusions on the surface of the ornament 500. Nodes 530 areapproximately 0.25 inch in width and 2 inches in length in thisembodiment. Nodes 530 mate with a receptacle 550 formed in the outboardsurface 560 of the wheel 520 (as shown in FIG. 8). In this manner, nodes530 act as an alignment feature. Nodes 530 can be larger or smaller insize than the nodes shown in the illustrated embodiments. Formanufacture, the nodes 530 can be included in the mold cavity for theornament 500 and formed therewith. Alternatively, nodes 530 can beaffixed to the ornament 500 or carved out of the ornament, for example.

In this embodiment, the ornament 500 includes a post 540, as shown inFIG. 7. Post 540 extends from the inboard surface 510 of the ornament500 and in this embodiment is a cylindrical member. Post 540 isconfigured to fit in an orifice 570 formed in the outboard surface 560of the wheel 520. Post 540 thereby penetrates the wheel 320. Post 540includes threads formed in the inner surface so as to receive a screw.Post 540 can be configured to receive different fasteners as well.

Ornament 500 is configured to fit in a cavity 580 formed in the outboardsurface 560 of the wheel 520 as shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a perspectiveview of an outboard surface 560 of a wheel 520 with the ornament 500detached from the wheel. As shown, wheel 520 includes the cavity 580formed in the spokes 590. In the shown embodiment, cavity 580 getsprogressively shallower. Orifice 570 is formed in the wheel 520 andconfigured to receive the post 540 therein. Orifice 570 has a slightlylarger diameter than the outer diameter of the post 540.

Referring again to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, receptacles 550are configured to fit the nodes 530 therein. Nodes 530 and receptacles550 are of compatible geometries so that the inboard surface 510 of theornament can rest flush with respect to the outboard surface 560 of thewheel 520 when the ornament 500 is properly aligned with and inserted inthe wheel cavity 580. In this embodiment, the node 530 protrudesapproximately 0.125 inch from the inboard surface 510 of the ornament500. Receptacles 550 are of approximately the same depth (0.125 inch).

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10. In FIG. 9 there is shown a side view ofanother exemplary ornament 600. FIG. 9 shows the inboard side 610 of theornament 600. The outboard surface of the ornament can include a raised,flat or depressed surface. The outboard surface of the ornament isdesigned to have a different surface finish than the wheel 620 to whichthe ornament 600 attaches (as partially shown in FIG. 10). In theinboard surface 610 of the ornament 600, the ornament includes a key 630that is asymmetrical with respect to a post 640. The key 630 is a raisedsurface that protrudes approximately 0.25 inch from the inboard surface610 of the ornament 600. The key 630 is triangular in shape. A first,wider portion 650 of the key extends to a rim-side of the ornament and asecond, narrower portion 660 of the key 630 extends to a center-side ofthe ornament 600. In this embodiment, key 630 is a triangularprotrusion. A tapered edge 670 is included between the key 630 andinboard surface 610 of the ornament. Key 630 can be included in the moldcavity for the ornament 600 and formed therewith. Alternatively, key 630can be affixed to the ornament 600 or carved out of the ornament, forexample.

The ornament 600 includes a post 640, as shown in FIG. 5. Post 640extends from the inboard surface 610 of the ornament 600 and in thisembodiment is a cylindrical member. Post 640 is configured to fit in anorifice 675 formed in the outboard surface 685 of the wheel 620. Post640 thereby penetrates the wheel 620. Post 640 includes threads formedin the inner surface so as to receive a screw. Post 640 can beconfigured to receive different fasteners as well.

Key 630 is configured to fit in a triangular cavity 695 formed in theoutboard surface 685 of the wheel 620 as shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is aperspective view of an outboard surface 685 of the wheel 620 with theornament 600 detached from the wheel.

As shown in FIG. 10, cavity 695 includes a tapered edge 680. Taperededge 680 is tapered inward towards the base of the cavity 695. In theshown embodiment, the taper is approximately 15 degrees and matches thetapered surface on key 630 of the ornament 600. Key 630 can have othershapes and profiles as well. In another embodiment, key is of a diamondshape. In another embodiment, key has a jagged profile and wheelincludes a mating jagged profile, formed on the outboard surface of thewheel that is compatible with the key.

Ornaments can have various surface finishes or treatments. In someexemplary embodiments, the outboard surface of the ornament is chromeplated. In other embodiments, the ornaments are gold plated, platinumplated, nickel plated and/or aluminum plated. In another embodiment, theornaments are painted and color coated. The ornaments can be coordinatedto accent the vehicle body. For example, in a blue vehicle the ornamentsare colored with blue vehicle paint.

Referring now to yet another illustrated exemplary ornament 700 andwheel 710 as shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view ofanother ornament 700 having an illumination element 720 on the outboardsurface of the ornament 700 and a plurality of posts 730 on the inboardsurface of the ornament. An outboard surface of the ornament includes anillumination element 720. The illumination element 720 is a lightemitting diode (or LED). A power source 740 is attached to the outboardsurface 750 of the wheel 710. The ornament 700 includes electricalcontacts on the inboard surface of the ornament. In another embodiment,a power source is included in the ornament to provide electricity to theillumination element. Alternatively the ornaments can be linked to thevehicle's main battery. The inboard surface of the wheel includes a portwith electrical connections for each of the ornaments.

Illumination element 720, as shown in FIG. 11, can be configured to emitany number of colors or to emit a white light. Moreover, the color ofthe illuminating elements 720 can be designed to match or complement theexterior paint of the vehicle. For example, a red vehicle might have redor pink LEDs in each ornament. Or a black vehicle can have white LEDsincluded in the ornaments 700. A mother of pearl vehicle can have blueillumination elements in the wheel ornaments 700. Illumination elements720 can be blended or mixed as well. For example, in a wheel having tenornaments with illumination elements half of the ornaments can includeblue LEDs and half of the ornaments can include red LEDs. When thewheels are in motion the visual effect would be a purple emission oflight.

In another embodiment, the illumination element 720 is light-sensitiveand self-sustaining. A separate power source is not needed. In the daytime with full sunlight, illumination elements do not emit any light. Inthe evenings, illumination elements naturally emit a light therefrom.Illumination elements can be composed of a material that isphosphorescent, such as e.g., materials including zinc sulfide orstrontium aluminate. Eligible material selections include any materialscapable of absorbing radiation during sunlight hours.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 11, the ornament 700 has aninboard surface that includes a plurality of posts 730 that extendtherefrom. Two cylindrical posts 730 are shown. Posts 730 are configuredto fit in two orifices 760 formed in the outboard surface 750 of thewheel 710. Post 730 includes threads formed in the inner surface so asto receive screws.

As shown in FIG. 11, the outboard surface 750 of the wheel includes acavity 770 formed in the spokes 780. In the shown embodiment, cavity 770gets progressively shallower. Two orifices 760 that are slightly largerin diameter than the posts 730 are formed in the wheel 710. Wheel 710receives posts 730 in orifices 760. A fastener, e.g., a screw, isscrewed into each post on the inboard side of the wheel 710 to securethe ornaments 700 to the wheel.

Now with reference to FIG. 12, a method of manufacturing a vehicle roadwheel 800 is illustrated. The method includes manufacturing steps thatcan be applied to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-11 or other versionsof the ornaments and wheels as well. The steps can be performed in anyorder or simultaneously. The method includes the step of forming a wheelhaving an outboard surface with a first surface finish 810. The wheelcan be die-cast, for example. Moreover, step 810 applies to forming awheel or wheel cover. Step 820 involves forming an orifice in the wheel.The orifice should be sufficiently large to receive a penetratingelement (e.g., a post 150 as shown in FIG. 2) from the ornament therein.At step 830 the method of manufacture includes forming a cavity in theoutboard surface of the wheel. The cavity can be included in the die forthe wheel and formed with the wheel. In the illustrated embodiment, themethod includes forming a tapered slot on the outboard surface of thewheel 840. The slot can be, for example, the slot 200 as shown in FIG.3. All steps associated with features in the wheel can be formed in oneprocess such as when the wheel is cast. An ornament can be molded orprovided for the assembly. In this embodiment, the method includesmolding an ornament 850. Various features of the ornament can be formedwith the ornament through incorporation in the ornament mold (such ase.g., the posts, keys and nodes). Ornament can be, for example,injection molded or die cast. Ornament is composed of a polymer. Inother embodiments, ornament is composed of an aluminum alloy or resin.At step 860 the method includes providing an ornament having a secondsurface finish and a post fittable in the orifice. The ornament isconfigured to at least partially fit in the cavity formed in theoutboard surface of the wheel. At step 870 the method includes aligninga first and second portion of a key formed with the ornament in thecavity in the outboard surface so that the key rests flush with theoutboard surface when the key is inserted in the cavity. At step 880 theornament is fastened to the wheel through the orifice and post. Theornament can be, for example, screwed or riveted to the wheel.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the methodologies of thepresent invention without departing from the scope of its teachings.Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice of theteachings disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only.

While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been describedin detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relateswill recognize various alternative designs and embodiments forpracticing the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. A method of manufacturing a vehicle road wheel, comprising:forming a wheel having an outboard surface with a first surface finish;forming an orifice in the wheel; forming a cavity in the outboardsurface; providing an ornament having a second surface finish and a postfittable in the orifice; aligning a first and second portion of a keyformed in the ornament with the cavity in the outboard surface; formingthe key to have a semi-circular profile; and fastening the ornament tothe wheel through the orifice and post.
 2. The method of claim 1,further comprising: forming a tapered slot on the outboard surface ofthe wheel matable with the key.
 3. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: molding the ornament.